What is done today to reduce traffic congestion in the capital Tehran is welcomed and the municipality supports it, but none of these approaches are actually a remedy to the problem, he told “Today Tehran” program on TV late Saturday.
Since heavy air pollution descended on Tehran some two weeks ago, a temporary regulation was introduced, according to which cars with odd plates are only allowed to travel in the central city on odd days and cars with even numbers on even days.
Qalibaf referred to proper management as one of the most important factors that could help resolve the problem of traffic.
“In fact, there is presently no particular official who can make the final decision about the traffic problem. Lawfully, the interior minister is responsible, but practically he lacks the necessary tools to deal with the issue.”
The mayor added that training programs and improvement of public transport system would contribute to easing traffic.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Qalibaf said that the municipality has started reconstruction operations from southern Tehran in an attempt to replace worn-out buildings with quake-resistant ones.
He went on to say that five centers of the Tehran municipality have been tasked with dealing with the homeless and street children throughout the city.
On developing the public transport system, Qalibaf noted that the municipality is tasked with making proper use of the current transportation facilities, attracting investment from the private sector and creating an efficient public transport system.
However, improving the current status of the transport system for the people is the job of the government, he underlined.
HL/MS
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MNA